Cannabis Accessories: Everything Explained

The cannabis accessories market has exploded over the past few years. What was once illegal to sell (for cannabis anyway) is now a lucrative business. You can buy accessories for your cannabis.

Basically, if you want it, they can make it.

The cannabis accessories market is clearly taking off. But with all this accouterment, it’s gotten a little confusing. What do you need for your cannabis? Do you need to buy anything for it? Can you simply use a Bic lighter to light your joint or your pipe? It’s all very confusing.

We should also mention: when using these items for cannabis, you should only use them in states where cannabis is legal. We don’t want you all sad if/when you get caught. Luckily, with so many states legalizing cannabis, it probably won’t be long before it’s legal in your state too.

Smoking Accessory Names

To simplify things, we’ve come up with a list of smoking accessory names. These are pretty much all the possible accessories known to man to use with or regarding cannabis.

Cannabis Cases

Lighters/Fire Tools

Home Accessories

Yet how many of these do you actually really need? You must have some sort of a vessel if you plan on smoking your cannabis. You must also be able to light it. If you’re planning on eating your edibles, you don’t need any of the accouterment. You just need the edible and some free time.

How Profitable Are Cannabis Accessories?

Ever since California legalized cannabis in the 2016 election, everything changed for the cannabis world. What was once considered taboo is now legal. Cannabis was no longer a drug touted only by Snoop Dog and Willie Nelson, but celebrities from actors to CEOs to presidents began shouting their love of cannabis, high from the tops of the Whiteh —

You get the point.

Once cannabis became legal (or more importantly was legalized in a state that has a gross domestic product of $2.448 trillion), the opportunities for producing, marketing and selling cannabis seemed as high as — well, its users.

Everything from cannabis brownies, gummies, oils, patches and beer became a thing. Even cannabis tours started popping up in California and Denver. (Hey, we deserve a not-so-gratuitous plug, right?).

So how lucrative is the cannabis and cannabis accessories industry? In 2017, North Americans spent an estimated $9 billion on legal cannabis.

Cannabis stocks are expected to valuate at over $100 billion at some point. Cannabis accessories stocks aren’t far behind. And since selling many cannabis accessories is legal on a federal level (think: those head shops from college that sold bongs and pipes for tobacco, right?), it might even be an even more lucrative market.

Where to Buy Cannabis Accessories

There are two (generally speaking) places you can buy cannabis: online and in a store. Like anything else in this world.

Cannabis Accessory Stores: Buying Guide

There are several stores where you can buy cannabis accessories. Since marijuana’s legalization in some states and cities, it’s easier than ever to buy cannabis accessories. The following three ways are the most common:

Head shops

Cannabis accessories specialty stores

Cannabis dispensaries

Head Shops

Remember passing by those stores with colorful glass bongs perched in the window? You would ask yourself, how do they “get away” with selling paraphernalia meant to smoke illegal drugs? Who even goes in there anyway?

Head shops still exist. And they sell more than just bongs and pipes.

You can find cannabis paraphernalia of all kinds here. Everything from “High Times” magazines to hemp t-shirts to Grateful Dead posters are sold at these shops.

The origin of the term ‘head shop’ is hotly debated. By hotly, we mean lukewarm because most cannabis users wouldn’t really care that much about the origin in the first place. Yet many cannabis aficionados believe it came from the term ‘pothead.’

According to High There, a cannabis social platform, the first ones were in Haight Ashbury in San Francisco and St. Mark’s Place in New York.

You’ll still find head shops in major cities and plenty of suburban and rural towns in the U.S. These places are generally unpretentious and the place to go if you’re worried about being “judged.” Though some find them somewhat intimidating.

Cannabis Accessories Specialty Stores

These types of stores are starting to pop up all over the country. Many cities consider cannabis a misdemeanor if a person is caught with an amount that is too small to be considered an amount to sell.

This means that cannabis accessories can also be sold more freely.

Specialty stores, carrying cases, smoking paraphernalia, lighters and other swag have been popping up. Even high-end specialty stores, like Higher Standards in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan are getting more common. These accessories aren’t cheap, either. Higher Standards sells a tree trunk humidor for $2,250 (but more on high-end cannabis accessories later).

Cannabis Dispensaries

If you live in an area where marijuana is legal, you can head to a one-stop shop for your cannabis and accessories needs: a dispensary.

These stores are for buyers 21 and older. They are well-lit, clean and well-stocked. The employees are pretty helpful and can answer any questions you might have. The prices can be a bit high for accessories, but it’s worth it for users who want to buy their cannabis and accouterment together.

Pros of Buying Cannabis in a Store

You can ask the sales associate questions

Sometimes you can sample or try the accessory in question

Dispensaries are well-lit with good security

Cons of Buying Cannabis in a Store

You could be recognized by your boss or uptight uncle

Lines can be long during peak times

Some users have anxiety about buying accessories in the open

You need to leave your dang apartment

How to Buy Cannabis in a Store

If you’re feeling a little shy about buying cannabis accessories in public, you might want to take some advice from Kathryn, who pens the blog, The Stoner Mom:

Bring a Buddy

Make a Big Deal of It

It’s OK to Ask Questions

Take the Investment Seriously

Keep it Simple

Stay Flexible

Indulge in Cannabis Before and After (if you live in a state where it’s legal)

She basically encourages people to get out of their own darn way. We agree and believe that you should ask as many questions as possible and have a support system tag along — one who won’t let you buy that $2,250 tree trunk humidor.

How to Find a Cannabis Store

There are two ways to find a cannabis store, and they probably won’t surprise you: ask around or Google it.

If you live in a large city, like New York, you can easily find some great recommendations through Google or Yelp. You can also find some listicles toting the best spots to find shops at various price points. You can also check out sites like Leafly, which is considered the “Yelp” of the cannabis world.

If you have any friends who partake, ask them. Choose one place to go. Ask the owner or shopkeepers if they can recommend any other nearby spots. Rinse and repeat.

Cannabis Accessories Online: Buying Guide

Buying cannabis accessories online comes with its own rewards and challenges. Perfect for the introvert cannabis user, you don’t need to even think about talking to another human being before buying online (or eating a bunch of your medical anxiety cannabis to deal with the interaction).

You can simply look up stores that sell products (Google would love to recommend some to you). Or, you can head to the cannabis blogosphere to find a few recommendations (that no-doubt are full of affiliate links).

Even big-name websites like Healthy-ish (you’ve come a long way, baby Bon Appetit), Goop and Refinery29 can recommend some great sites.

If all else fails, just go to Etsy (see below).

Pros of Buying Cannabis Accessories Online

It’s discreet

There’s less anxiety

Products are shipped right to your door (usually discreetly)

Some companies offer chat boxes for questions

Cons of Buying Cannabis Accessories Online

You can’t try before you buy

Asking questions online is harder than in person

The choices can be overwhelming, and you may get stuck in a cannabis accessory lexicon for the day

How to Buy Cannabis Accessories Online

If you’re buying cannabis accessories online, you’re probably doing so for one of two reasons: you want to enjoy cannabis, or you’re buying a gift. If you fall in the latter category, no worries. There are plenty of ways to buy a fail-proof gift for that special someone.

Cannabis Accessories Box

One of the easiest ways to find a cannabis accessories gift is to simply purchase a cannabis accessories box. These boxes are prepackaged gifts that have everything recipients would need to partake in their favorite green activities.

These boxes are often themed and come in a variety of options and price points. There are even cannabis accessory subscription boxes that will ensure the recipients will have all their cannabis needs cared for in the coming year.

Cannabis Accessories on Etsy

You’ve already purchased on Etsy before. Why not return to a tried and true online retailer — all while supporting small businesses? Etsy sellers have jumped onto the cannabis accessory bandwagon. Everything from lighters to roach clips to cannabis containers to specialized rolling papers are available on Etsy now. You can even find holiday-themed cannabis gifts here.

Types of Cannabis Accessories

There are as many types of accessories as cannabis heads could possibly dream up. So, a lot. Because we have kick-ass imaginations. You can smoke it, inhale it, vape it, rub it on your skin and eat it. With such a versatile plant, there’s a lot of accouterment that comes with it.

Classic Cannabis Accessories for Smoking

You’ll probably recognize this first list of smoking accessories. Maybe from your college days. When you smoked — but didn’t inhale.

Rolling Papers

Rolling papers are the Ted Danson of smoking accessories. They’re so classic, and you probably have no idea how old they actually are. They’ve been around (possibly?) longer than cannabis itself. Also, like Ted Danson.

These are somewhat self-explanatory. You simply fill them with cannabis and/or a combination of tobacco. Roll the paper. Signed, sealed, delivered; it’s ready to smoke.

Cannabis Pipes

Another accessory you might recognize is a pipe. Yes, you could possibly use the type of pipe you’d expect to see sticking out of Ron Swanson’s mustachioed lips. But you’re probably better off sticking with the kind you ogled at one of those head shops in college: the illustrious glass cannabis pipe (also referred to as a bowl). This one-piece pipe simply allows you to pack, smoke and be done with it.

Cannabis Pipe Parts: Metal Vs. Glass

There are several parts to a typical metal pipe: the helmet, mouthpiece, collar, bowl, rings and screen. Some people are pipe purists and would rather just stick to glass. Others enjoy the convenience of a metal one. Glass is harder to clean but is safer than metal. If all else fails, use a bong or a diffuser (see below).

Bongs

If you don’t mind partaking in one stationary spot, bongs are another great option. Depending on your preferences, you can buy them large or small. Fancy or plain. Glass or BPA-free plastic. Shake Shack or In-N-Out.

Just checking to see if you’re still paying attention. It’s always In-N-Out in Cali. Duh. People get really crazy with their bongs. For some, they’re works of art. These days, bongs have become even cooler, easier to clean and more affordable. Some don’t even need water anymore. It’s come a long way since the days of 2-liter plastic bottles and watermelons.

How to Use a Bong

If you live in a state where cannabis is legal (or country for that matter — oh hay, Canada!), you can find out how to use a bong, just in case you’ve never used one before. Heads up: that link goes to an article that’ll give you the skinny on how to use one, the history of them and their anatomy.

Cannabis Bong Effects

The effects of smoking cannabis through a bong are complicated. Some people think that the water helps to filter the cannabinoid — thus making it healthier than smoking. Others argue that bongs aren’t the best for your lungs. The American Lung Association states that all smoke is harmful to the lungs. If you partake often, you might want to consider taking cannabis in one of the many other ways detailed below.

Cannabis Bubblers

Bubblers also fall under the bong category — though they are essentially a combination of a pipe and a bong. They are small enough to be considered portable, but they use a water filtration system that is similar to a bong’s.

Many cannabis users don’t buy bubblers because they’re not easy to clean. Like a glass pipe, a glass bubbler can easily break. Yet many users like bubblers because they are just as pretty as some bongs and glass pipes. If you’re thinking of buying a bubbler, you may want to consider buying a case to go along with it. That way, you don’t need to worry about your glass bubbler breaking in transit.

Smoking Rig Accessories

If you want to get super serious, you could always invest in a rig. The rig uses cannabis oil, waxes or rosins. It’s essentially a bubbler you don’t use with dry cannabis.

Cannabis Diffusers

Another cool accessory to hit the market is the diffuser. It’s essentially a tube that fits in a bubbler that makes the pull even cleaner.

Modern Cannabis Accessories

In the past 10 years, we’ve seen some pretty cool cannabis accessories hit the market. Vape pens, diffusers and patches are all relatively new to the cannabis world. They make cannabis an event. They’re also discreet and easy to transport.

Cannabis Vape Pens

A vape pen allows you to smoke vape oil — or tobacco oil. These are similar to e-cigarettes and are often referred to as e smoke accessories.

The biggest benefit of these pens is that they are extremely discreet. If you’re using a vape pen, others won’t necessarily know if you’re smoking cannabis, tobacco — or a combination of both. These pens are sleek and small.

According to NPR, vape pens contain, “Up to 90 percent THC.” Compared to the 20 percent THC found in marijuana buds, the concentrate is strong.

The other major benefit of the vape pen is that it allows you to simply smoke “just a little” cannabis. You can take one hit and put the pen back in your pocket. Compare that to a joint, blunt or pipe. If you light a joint, you’re probably not going to take one hit and put it out. But since you’re not “lighting” a vape pen, you don’t need to worry about putting it out after one hit.

There are two basic types of vape pens: reloadable and disposable.

Disposable vape pens allow you to just vape and go. You don’t need to load up an oil cartridge first. They are slightly cheaper than reloadable pens and cartridges, but when it’s done — it’s done.

Reloadable vape pens are slightly more economical if you’re planning on vaping more than one cartridge’s worth of vape oil. Instead of throwing out the pen, you simply reload it with more oil. The oil generally doesn’t come with the pen either (unless you purchase a kit).

You can get other types of cannabis oil accessories and cannabis concentrate accessories for your vape pen, too, including CBD oils.

Some of the other benefits include:

It could be healthier for you than smoking

Oil tastes better than the bud (to some)

It’s cheaper than smoking

Cannabis Vaporizers

Vaporizers are somewhat similar to vape pens and fall under the cannabis vape accessories umbrella. Yet instead of using oil, the vaporizers use cannabis buds. If you’re looking for something discreet, the vaporizer isn’t as convenient as the vape pen. You’ll still taste the cannabis and smell it. And everyone around you will smell it too.

A vaporizer also needs time to heat up the bud, so you’ll need to be a little patient with it. You’ll also need to grind the bud before loading it into the vaporizer cartridge (so you’ll need to buy yet another accessory; see grinders below).

Vaporizers also don’t have the battery life that vape pens do.

So, what’s the benefit of the vaporizer? Some people really like the smell and taste of cannabis. They just don’t want to lose that part of the experience.

Cannabis Vape Bong

OMG, you’ve gone too far this time, universe. Is the world ready for a vape bong yet? Probably not. But it happened.

“The Hydrology 9 is the first portable ‘liquid filtration vaporizer.’ It’s roughly the size and shape of a Red Bull can, but 2 inches taller. The combination of brushed aluminum and glass gives it a handsome, sophisticated look. Honestly, looks like something a stoned Jony Ive would make, if he wanted to make a lightsaber to smoke weed out of.”

They also stated that it’s, “Smooth as hell.”

So, if you’re really into your cannabis, you might want to go ahead and buy one for a cool $250.

Hipster Cannabis Accessories

Because this is the era of the hipster and the millennial, there are plenty of hipster accessories for your cannabis. Case in point: this banana pipe. No, it’s not a pipe made out of a banana (though evidently, that’s a thing too).

Turns out, there’s actually tons of hipster cannabis accessories out there. Oh, and another banana pipe (what the heck is up with bananas?!). And stuff to watch while you’re partaking. But wait, there’s more!

See Below: ‘High-End Cannabis Accessories.’

Cannabis Safety Accessories

Another important factor to consider is keeping your cannabis (and, let’s face it: your kids and pets) safe. After marijuana was legalized in Colorado, a 2016 study found that kids’ emergency room visits increased for accidental exposure. More than half of those visits were related to edibles.

Since edibles generally come in the form of brownies, cookies and candies (stuff kids hate, right?), it’s important to keep them away from little ones and pets.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to keep both kids and pets safe from accidental exposure to marijuana.

Cannabis Lock Box

A simple cannabis lockbox can ensure that your cannabis won’t get into the wrong hands — or stolen. There are plenty of these on the market (they double as portable safes), and you can even buy them on Amazon. They range in price from around $10 to $50. Some have cool features, like smell-proof materials (see below). There are even some with flat, long surfaces that double as a rolling tray. Many of these boxes are discreet, so you can carry one around with ease (or even leave it on your coffee table).

Cannabis Childproof Box

Cannabis packaging sub-economy has emerged, thanks to these strict laws. From boxes to bags, you can find all types of packaging that’s made to keep kids out.

Cannabis Smell-Proof Bag

If you’re taking your cannabis on the go, you’ll want to invest in a smell-proof bag. You don’t want someone giving you side-eye on the bus.

Cannabis smell-proof bags come in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles. Many look just like a purse or satchel. There are some pretty cute little pouches out there too. You can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll find these little cuties on Etsy.

Cannabis Breathalyzer

You don’t want to combine cannabis with cars anytime soon. While there is no cannabis Breathalyzer on the market right now (even for police), there will be soon. Obviously, you could get a fine or jail time for smoking (or eating) and driving. You also just want to be safe, right?

Hound Labs has a pre-production Breathalyzer on their website. It doesn’t detect marijuana use from previous days — only the current THC levels. It essentially tells you if you’re too buzzed to drive. It’s also expected to be used by the police very soon.

Cannabis Childproof Bags

In other cannabis packaging safety news, childproof bags are also available. Many of these bags look very reminiscent of bank deposit bags. Many of them are also smell-proof. Just another way to keep your pets and kids safe around marijuana — and a great way to be a responsible marijuana owner. Back to the fun stuff!

There are a ton of edibles and wearables accessories in addition to smoking accessories! Of course, there’s a way for everyone to spend as much money as they want on their cannabis! Doy!

CBD Oil Extractor

If you’re really into your CBD oils, you might feel compelled to buy your own extractor. (Pst, it’s how you get the oil out of the bud!)

You’ll want to get ready for an investment here because these bad boys aren’t cheap. They start at a little over $100 for a “basic” one and can go up to several thousand dollars. If you’re using this machine to extract the THC and CBD from the plant, you’re good to go.

These extractors use CO2 to pull the CBD and the THC from the plant.

If you’re planning on extracting the CBD from the plant, you can simply use olive oil (no extractor needed). Dry ice also works too. You can find plenty of videos on YouTube detailing how to get the CBD and THC out of the plant without buying expensive equipment.

Cannabis Potency Tester

If you want to check the potency of your cannabis (maybe you don’t trust your dispensary, maybe you just want to be safe), you can buy a tester for that. These testers will usually run you about $200 (but of course there are some pricier models, too). This will tell you exactly how much THC is in your cannabis. These testing accessories can create a safer cannabis environment (one where you know exactly how much THC is going to make its way into your body). We’re all about safety.

Cannabis Decarb Accessories

Decarbing is a fancy way of saying “warming your weed.” Why would you want to get your cannabis all warm and toasty before partaking?

If you’re planning on eating your cannabis, you’ll need to decarb it first. When you eat a raw cannabis plant, not much happens. It needs to be heated up to get the psychedelic effects. So, if you’re eating it (not smoking), you’ll need to heat it to turn the naturally occurring tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) into THC.

Yes, you can just heat it in your oven at a low temp. But why would you want to when you could throw more money at it?

Decarboxylators start at around $200 and go up to about $500. They look like little thermoses. Set it and forget it, man.

Cannabis Patch Accessories

Cannabis patches might not be “considered” accessories. But they are one-stop shops for enjoying your bud. Just slap a CBD patch on your skin (preferably a veined area, such as the top of your foot or on your wrist), and voila! You’re ready to go.

These patches run about $8 for one (or you can buy a whole box and save money). They’re great for people who don’t like to inhale their cannabis — or eat it, for that matter. They’re available with or without THC.

Other Cannabis Accessories

There’s an entire array of cannabis accessories that don’t really fall into a category. Most of these accessories are used for preparing or heating your cannabis. If you’re the type of person that needs all the swag when they pick up a hobby, this section is for you.

Cannabis Grinder

One of the unsung smoking accessories is the grinder. You didn’t start smoking cannabis just to spend the first 10 minutes of prep time picking leaves off a bud, right? Cannabis grinders look like a hockey puck. Or one of those endless gum strand cases. Or a dip container. You get the point.

You can usually fit these in your pocket, and many users keep their cannabis right inside too.

Grinding your cannabis isn’t just important when smoking. You’ll also want your cannabis to be super fine when using it in recipes.

Luckily, there are grinders for just about everybody now. Some of them are even super trendy. Yes, they are available on Etsy. And yes, some of them look like ice cream cones and doughnuts. You’re welcome.

Cannabis Lighters

Another unsung hero in the smoking accessories world is the lighter. You need one if you’re going to light that bowl, pipe, joint, blunt or bong.

Of course, some are marketed directly to cannabis users (though we assume you might be able to light that boring candle or possibly even the pilot light on a stove with it too).

Some lighters are also perfect for cannabis without being made for cannabis.

Zippo lighters are classic. The Tesla lighter is pretty cool — but only works with joints. There are even some fancy lighters that we think Audrey Hepburn would have been super jealous of. Or, you could just use that old Bic.

Cannabis Matches

Ahhh the match. Invented in 1805. Before that, we were just smoking cannabis by rubbing two sticks together. Or using embers from the fireplace. No wonder the life expectancy was between 30 and 40 back then.

Yes, there are matches that are created and marketed directly to and for cannabis users. Though many believe that matches aren’t the best way to light your joint — thanks to the phosphorus, sulfur and potassium chlorate that burn along with the match.

But if you’re trying to impress your posse by lighting your marijuana with matches, by all means, go ahead — and check out the high-end cannabis accessories in the next section.

Hemp

In addition to using matches and lighters, you can light hemp on fire and use that to light your joint or blunt — less gas means a possibly healthier burn.

High-End Cannabis Accessories

Hallelujah! Finally, cannabis accessories for the One Percent!

Now that cannabis is considered cool (thanks, Gwyneth Paltrow), you don’t need to “slum it” with the rest of us to get to that altered state of being. Or, maybe you’re just “aspirational.” Either way, you too can spend your hard-earned green on some pricy cannabis accessories.

When Town and Country runs an article online entitled, “11 Fancy Weed Accessories for the Chic Stoners,” you known cannabis has gone mainstream. What’s next, a cannabis article in “Horse and Hound?” Let’s take a look at some of the items on this list, shall we?

The first item is a cannabis box that costs $380.

The second item is a $2,000 24k gold ashtray.

The third is a 14k gold joint case for $8,750.

If we skip down to item seven, we find 24k gold rolling papers for $55. Talk about burning money.

Oh look, number 8 is a pipe shaped like an apple; guess bananas are for peasants.

Number nine is a Hermes ashtray for $800.

Yes, the list goes on and on.

“Harper’s Bazar” also ran a stylish weed accessories article in 2018. Some of the items include a cannabis purse, cannabis chocolates and a cannabis bath bomb. Refinery29 sells a grinder, a lighter and the aforementioned banana pipe.

Medical Cannabis Accessories

With so much buzz about the legalization of recreational marijuana, medical marijuana has sort of gotten the backseat lately. (Although marijuana medicine has been getting some buzz).

There are some accessories that can really help those using marijuana for medical purposes.

For example, many people using medical marijuana are in some sort of pain. Whether it’s for arthritis or cancer, it might be hard to hold a pipe, joint or lighter. Easy-to-use lighters and pipes that fit comfortably in your hand are important. A rolling machine could be another investment that’s ideal for medical marijuana users.

Some medical marijuana users might possibly even want to bypass the bud altogether and opt for a vape pen instead — though holding down the button on a vape pen could be painful for some.

Cannabis patches might even be the best option for those with intense pain or discomfort since they just stick right to the skin. Cannabis massage oil is another great option.

Cannabis Accessories for the Home

You can’t be a “serious” cannabis user and fail to create a dope smoking room! Just kidding. But no seriously…

Smoking room accessories are pretty hot right now. Instead of a bar cart, man cave or she-shed, many cannabis users have been creating their own smoking rooms. Now that many cannabis users are parents, it makes sense to keep your cannabis life locked away from your kids.

You also probably don’t want your curtains and clothes in every room to smell like cannabis (or do you?).

You can also now buy cannabis scented candles and other items that don’t contain THC that are also perfect for the home.

Best Cannabis Accessories 2018 – 2019

This is it. What you’ve all been waiting for. Our definitive list of the best cannabis accessories for 2018 and 2019. This is all the cananbis swag that we think made an impression on us this year.

There you have it. The total, comprehensive list of cannabis accessories to make all your chill vibe dreams come true. No matter whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, you’ll have everything you need to be stylish while you’re in your altered state.

Curious about Cannabis?

Click on Tours and Activities below and see what all the hype is about.

Post Categories

Curious about Cannabis?

Get to Know Us

West Coast Cannabis tours is a fully licensed and legal cannabis focused tour company dedicated to delivering first-class customer service. Our mission is to promote the responsible use of cannabis through canna curated experiences and higher education. We hope to play a role in breaking stereotypes by sparking a sophisticated dialogue regarding marijuana and fostering change in society. As good stewards of the industry, our aim is to advance cannabis acceptance ONE TOUR at a time.